LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Sierra Leone's jockey has to pay a fine to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC), and has 30 days to do so according to officials.
In their ruling released Friday, the KHRC said they issued the fine to Tyler Gaffalione for touching a rival horse with his left hand in the last stretch of the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby.
During the final stretch, Sierra Leone and Japan's Forever Young were bumping each other repeatedly. Video shows Gaffalione reach out and touch Forever Young with his left hand nearing the finish line, which is what led to the stewards decision.
Gaffalione has to pay the commission $2,500. They said this does not change the outcome of the race. If he doesn't pay the fine in 30 days, the stewards said his license could be suspended.
Sierra Leone came in second in the photo finish with Forever Young coming in third. The Derby winner, Mystic Dan, won by his nostrils.
After the Derby, the stewards determined there was no review needed, and pointed out that no objections were filed.
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